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Approval likely next week for oil and gas rules

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is expected to approve a series of long-awaited energy rules and regulations during its meetings next week, Harris Sherman, the director of the Department of Natural Resources, told state lawmakers Monday.

“On December the 9th, the commission will meet over a two- to three-day period to hopefully take final action on the proposed rules and regulations,” Sherman said.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which started rewriting its rules governing oil and gas drilling more than a year ago, has delayed the release of its new rules and regulations numerous times beyond its original due date earlier this year.

Sherman told the legislative panel, during his agency’s budget hearing, that the delayed release resulted from negotiations between his office and the various stakeholders interested in the rules.

“I will not tell you that everybody is in complete agreement on the rules and regulations,” Sherman said, “but we have worked hard … to find common ground that hopefully can work for Colorado.”

“The give-and-take has been extensive. The compromise has been extensive. I think we have a good product.”

The commission starts its three days of meetings Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Hotel, 1550 Court Place, in Denver.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission hearings will be open to the public.